Pressure Points For Migraines
Stop Migraine Pain at Home
Pressure Points for Occipital Neuralgia
This is a condition that requires the use of specific movements with the use of pressure points. The causes of this disorder include tight muscles, pressure on the nerves, injuries, and inflammation (WBMD). When tight muscles are a contributing factor we can use pressure points to release the tension, but the best results happen when we combine acupressure with movements for the neck and shoulders. If you have seen a physical therapist for this they likely prescribed some exercises to help you get relief.
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Compressed nerves can also respond well with range of motion and resistance exercises. By applying pressure to specific points and combining it with movement therapies, healing can occur for even difficult to treat conditions and injuries. If you have suffered from a neck trauma such as whiplash, it is essential to include treatments like massage, acupuncture, and physical therapy.
Key Acupressure Points
UB 10
A key local point at the attachment of the trapezius muscle.
GB 20/Wind Pool
Close to UB 10, helps for shoulder pain, and when pain spreads to the temples.
SI 3/Back Stream
A command point for the neck and spine. Helps with shoulder blade pain.
How to use pressure points for occipital neuralgia
For this condition it is good to start with local points like UB 10 and GB 20.
Begin by applying light pressure.
Some people may experience an increase in pain when they touch the local points. If this occurs moves on to some of the other points located on the hands, arms, feet, or legs.
Points on the fingers and hands can be very effective and are necessary to get optimum results.
Neck movements such as extension, looking from side to side, and lateral bends are good to do while stimulating points.
What exercises are best for occipital neuralgia?
Key movements include chin tucks, neck rotations, and lateral bends from side to side.
Chin Tucks: To do these interlace your fingers behind your head and press the back of your head into hands. If done properly it will feel as if you are getting a double chin. Do not look up or down while doing these.
Neck Rotations: Turn your head from left to right. Do this slowly and notice how far you can rotate on each side. It is common that one side is more limited. After 10 - 15 repetitions slow the exercise down by holding your neck to each side for a count of five breaths. For example, look to the right so that your chin is directly above the top of your shoulder. Hold this position and take 5 deep slow breaths. Repeat on the left side. Do a total of 3 - 5 holds on each side.
Lateral Bends: For this exercise we simply tilt our ear towards our shoulder while looking straight ahead. To begin, start by tilting your right ear towards your right shoulder as you exhale. When you inhale bring your head back up to a neutral and natural position. Exhale and tilt to the opposite side. Inhale and return to the upright center position.
When doing lateral bends, coordinate your breath so that when you exhale you are tilting either ear towards the shoulder on the same side. On each inhalation bring your head up to normal position, then exhale and tilt your head to the opposite side. You can do these neck exercises while you hold and press the key acupressure points on the hands and arms.